A sealing ring toothed chain system
By designing a sealed toothed chain and a self-lubricating sprocket, the problems of high noise and unstable transmission of large-displacement roller chains for motorcycles have been solved, resulting in a low-noise, wear-resistant, and maintenance-free chain system suitable for harsh working conditions in motorcycles.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO CHOHO IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Large-displacement roller chains for motorcycles are noisy and have unstable transmission, while belt drives are slow to start and prone to failure on unpaved roads. Existing toothed chain drives cannot meet the requirements of motorcycles under harsh working conditions.
The design incorporates a sealed toothed chain and self-lubricating sprockets, employing a special sleeve toothed chain structure, carbon fiber guide plates, and graphite rings. These are combined with small sprockets of varying tooth counts assembled according to a specific pattern to achieve lightweighting, self-lubrication, reduced noise, and improved wear resistance.
It reduces transmission noise, improves the wear resistance and maintenance-free performance of the chain system, is suitable for harsh working conditions in motorcycles, and meets the requirements for lightweight design.
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Figure CN117345814B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of chain drive technology, and specifically relates to a sealing ring toothed chain system. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, as the motorcycle market expands towards larger displacement engines, the specifications of roller chains are also increasing. However, the problems brought by larger roller chains, such as increased noise and unstable transmission, are becoming increasingly prominent. Therefore, more and more users are beginning to try belt drive systems.
[0003] Belt drive systems do offer a clear advantage in noise reduction due to the contact elasticity of the belt and its ability to buffer and absorb vibrations. However, the elasticity of the belt inevitably leads to issues such as sluggish power during start-up and rapid acceleration, and susceptibility to failure on unpaved roads, which may not meet the experience needs of most motorcycle enthusiasts.
[0004] To compensate for the problems of high noise and unstable transmission of roller chain drives, another type of chain drive, namely toothed chain drive, has been adopted in the field of chain drives. Toothed chains are widely used in automobile engine timing systems and oil pump systems. They rely on the point contact between the chain plates and the wheel teeth for meshing transmission, which greatly reduces meshing vibration and noise problems. However, they are only suitable for closed applications with sufficient lubrication and cannot meet the harsh working conditions of motorcycle external drive chains.
[0005] Therefore, developing a new type of transmission that combines the sufficient acceleration power of roller chain drive with the low noise of belt drive and toothed chain drive has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in the chain drive industry. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This invention discloses a sealing ring toothed chain system, which features a sealing ring toothed chain and a self-lubricating sprocket. The special sleeve toothed chain structure of the sealing ring toothed chain not only solves the problem of high noise in roller chain drives but also improves the wear resistance of the toothed chain under poor lubrication conditions. The self-lubricating sprocket employs a scheme of center groove rubber coating (i.e., vibration-damping rubber ring) and a graphite ring embedded in a specific position, further reducing noise while improving the maintenance-free performance and service life of the entire system.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:
[0008] A sealing ring toothed chain system includes a mating sealing ring toothed chain and a self-lubricating sprocket. The sealing ring toothed chain includes a plurality of alternating inner and outer chain links, with a sealing ring between each inner and outer chain link. Each inner chain link has a guide plate, which may be a guide plate made of conventional materials or a carbon fiber guide plate. The self-lubricating sprocket includes a large sprocket and a small sprocket, which are connected to the sealing ring toothed chain for transmission. The system may contain conventional materials. The inner link of the guide plate is L1, and the inner link containing the carbon fiber guide plate is L2. When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is less than 15, the assembly sequence of the inner links of the sealing ring toothed chain is: L1, L1, L2, L1, L1, L2… When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is greater than 15 but less than 25, the assembly sequence is: L1, L2, L1, L2, L1, L2… When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is greater than 25, the assembly sequence is: L1, L2, L2, L1, L2, L2…
[0009] Preferably, the inner link includes an inner toothed chain plate, a guide plate, and a sleeve. A guide plate is provided between two inner toothed chain plates. The mounting holes of the inner toothed chain plates and the guide plate are aligned one-to-one. A sleeve passes through the aligned mounting holes. The sleeve is interference-fitted with the mounting holes of the inner toothed chain plates and the guide plate respectively. The inner toothed chain plates and the guide plates are tightly fitted together.
[0010] Preferably, the outer link includes an outer toothed chain plate and a pin. The pin passes through a sleeve. The two mounting holes of the outer toothed chain plate are respectively interference-fitted with the ends of the pins on the same side of adjacent inner links. The pin and the sleeve are clearance-fitted. A sealing ring is sleeved on the end of the sleeve between the outer toothed chain plate and the inner toothed chain plate. The two ends of the sealing ring are respectively tightly fitted to the inner surface of the outer toothed chain plate and the outer surface of the inner toothed chain plate. The end of the sleeve is clearance-fitted with the inner surface of the outer toothed chain plate.
[0011] Preferably, the conventional material guide plate has an arc tooth profile on its inner side, and the two sides of the arc tooth profile are symmetrically provided with inwardly recessed guide angles. The height h of the guide angle satisfies the relationship with the center height H of the guide plate mounting hole: h = (10% - 20%) * H, and the width w of the guide angle satisfies the relationship with the nominal pitch p of the chain: w = (1 / 3 - 1 / 2) * p.
[0012] Preferably, the carbon fiber guide plate has a B-type structure, and the height of the carbon fiber guide plate is 70%-85% of the height of a guide plate made of conventional materials.
[0013] Preferably, the sealing ring is a fluororubber sealing ring, and graphite and molybdenum disulfide solid lubricant are added to the components constituting the sealing ring, wherein the mass fraction of graphite material is 2%-4% and the mass fraction of molybdenum disulfide material is 2%-5%.
[0014] Preferably, the self-lubricating sprocket includes a sprocket body, and a guide groove coaxially provided in the middle of the outer edge of the sprocket body to cooperate with the guide plate. The guide groove is formed by coating with rubber to form a vibration damping rubber ring. A graphite ring coaxial with the sprocket body is embedded on the teeth of the sprocket body at the position corresponding to the sealing ring of the toothed chain that is connected to it for transmission.
[0015] Preferably, the thickness of the graphite ring is 1-1.2 times the thickness of the sealing ring.
[0016] The beneficial effects of the sealing ring toothed chain system of the present invention are as follows:
[0017] 1. This invention combines the advantages of chain drive and belt drive, and adopts a structure in which a sealed toothed chain and a self-lubricating sprocket are matched. This reduces transmission noise while maintaining the transmission capacity of the chain drive, improves the wear resistance of the toothed chain, and enables the toothed chain to be used in motorcycle chain systems in harsh environments.
[0018] 2. This invention designs a type B carbon fiber guide plate and sets an arc tooth profile and guide angle on a conventional material guide plate, which meets the trend of lightweight chain system, achieves second-order vibration reduction effect, and further improves the wear resistance and noise reduction performance of chain system.
[0019] 3. This invention optimizes the existing sealing ring material, enhancing its self-lubricating properties. The sprocket employs a rubber-coated and graphite-embedded design, enhancing the meshing stability of the chain system, improving lubrication performance, reducing noise, and overall improving the performance of the chain system.
[0020] 4. This invention targets small sprockets with different numbers of teeth, and uses a sealed ring toothed chain with inner chain links containing conventional material guide plates and carbon fiber guide plates assembled in a certain pattern. Without affecting the meshing transmission and overall chain strength of the chain system, it significantly reduces the weight of the entire chain, meeting the market demand for lightweighting. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 2 Assembly diagram of the sealing ring toothed chain of the present invention (Figure a is a top view, Figure b is a front view).
[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the inner link structure of the sealing ring toothed chain of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the conventional material guide plate structure of this invention.
[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the B-type carbon fiber guide plate structure of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of different internal single-section arrangements and assembly of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the self-lubricating sprocket structure of the present invention.
[0028] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Seal ring toothed chain, 1-1-Seal ring, 1-2-Inner toothed chain plate, 1-3-Guide plate, 1-3-1-Guide angle, 1-3-2-Circular arc tooth profile, 1-4-Sleeve, 1-5-Outer toothed chain plate, 2-Self-lubricating sprocket, 2-1-Graphite ring, 2-2-Vibration damping rubber ring. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The following description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0030] Example 1
[0031] A sealing ring toothed chain system, such as Figure 1-7 As shown, the device includes a toothed chain 1 with a sealing ring and a self-lubricating sprocket 2 that cooperate with each other. The toothed chain 1 includes several alternating inner and outer links, with a sealing ring 1-1 between the inner and outer links. The inner links are equipped with guide plates 1-3, which include guide plates made of conventional materials and carbon fiber guide plates. The self-lubricating sprocket includes a large sprocket and a small sprocket, which are connected to the toothed chain with the sealing ring for transmission. The device contains conventional... The inner link of the material guide plate is L1, and the inner link containing the carbon fiber guide plate is L2. When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is less than 15, the assembly sequence of the inner links of the sealing ring toothed chain 1 is: L1, L1, L2, L1, L1, L2... When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is greater than 15 but less than 25, the assembly sequence is: L1, L2, L1, L2, L1, L2... When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is greater than 25, the assembly sequence is: L1, L2, L2, L1, L2, L2...
[0032] In this embodiment, the large sprocket and the small sprocket have the same structure, only their sizes differ.
[0033] When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is less than 15, the assembly sequence of the inner links of the sealing ring toothed chain 1 is: L1, L1, L2, L1, L1, L2… This ensures that when the number of teeth on the small sprocket is less than 15, there are enough conventional material guide plates in the guide groove of the sprocket to prevent chain derailment. At the same time, it does not affect the guiding positioning and transmission of the entire chain system.
[0034] When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is greater than 15 but less than 25, the assembly sequence is: L1, L2, L1, L2, L1, L2… This ensures that when the number of teeth on the small sprocket is greater than 15 but less than 25, there are enough standard material guide plates in the guide groove of the sprocket to prevent chain derailment. At the same time, it does not affect the guiding positioning and transmission of the entire chain system.
[0035] When the number of teeth on the small sprocket is greater than 25, the assembly sequence is: L1, L2, L2, L1, L2, L2… This ensures that when the number of teeth on the small sprocket is greater than 25, there are enough standard material guide plates in the guide grooves of the sprocket to prevent chain derailment. At the same time, it does not affect the guiding positioning and transmission of the entire chain system.
[0036] In this embodiment, based on the different dimensions and physical properties of conventional material guide plates and carbon fiber guide plates, combined with the specifications and specific structure of the small sprocket, and following the physical laws of the chain drive process, the chain system can be stably operated while achieving the effect of lightweight sealing ring toothed chain.
[0037] Example 2
[0038] Based on Example 1, this example discloses:
[0039] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the inner link includes an inner toothed chain plate 1-2, a guide plate 1-3, and a sleeve 1-4. A guide plate 1-3 is provided between the two inner toothed chain plates 1-2. The mounting holes of the inner toothed chain plates 1-2 and the guide plate 1-3 are aligned one-to-one. A sleeve 1-4 passes through the aligned mounting holes. The sleeve 1-4 is interference-fitted with the mounting holes of the inner toothed chain plates 1-2 and the guide plate 1-3 respectively. The inner toothed chain plates 1-2 and the guide plate 1-3 are tightly fitted together.
[0040] Example 3
[0041] Based on Example 2, this example discloses:
[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer link includes an outer toothed chain plate 1-5 and a pin. The pin passes through a sleeve 1-4. The two mounting holes of the outer toothed chain plate 1-5 are respectively interference-fitted with the ends of the pins on the same side of the adjacent inner link. The pin and the sleeve are clearance-fitted. A sealing ring 1-1 is sleeved on the end of the sleeve between the outer toothed chain plate and the inner toothed chain plate. The two ends of the sealing ring 1-1 are tightly fitted to the inner surface of the outer toothed chain plate 1-5 and the outer surface of the inner toothed chain plate 1-2, respectively. The end of the sleeve 1-4 is clearance-fitted with the inner surface of the outer toothed chain plate 1-5.
[0043] The sealing ring prevents sand and dust from entering the hinge pair between the bushings, thus preventing abrasive wear failure. Furthermore, it prevents lubricant loss, enhancing the chain's maintenance-free performance.
[0044] Example 4
[0045] Based on Example 3, this example discloses:
[0046] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner side of the conventional material guide plate is provided with an arc-shaped tooth profile 1-3-2. The two sides of the arc-shaped tooth profile 1-3-2 are symmetrically provided with inwardly recessed guide angles 1-3-1 (only the guide angle on the front side is shown in the figure; the guide angle on the back side is the same). Figure 4 As shown, the height h of the guide angle 1-3-1 and the center height H of the guide plate mounting hole satisfy the relationship: h=(10%-20%)*H, and the guide angle width w and the nominal chain pitch p satisfy the relationship: w=(1 / 3-1 / 2)*p.
[0047] In this embodiment, inwardly recessed guide angles 1-3-1 are provided on both sides of the arc-shaped tooth profile 1-3-2. During engagement with the self-lubricating sprocket, these guide angles contact and compress the vibration-damping rubber ring 2-2. During this compression, the arc-shaped tooth profile provides primary vibration and noise reduction. As the arc-shaped tooth profile recesses into the vibration-damping rubber ring 2-2, the guide angles contact the ring, achieving secondary vibration and noise reduction. This secondary vibration and noise reduction significantly improves the quietness of the chain system.
[0048] Example 5
[0049] Based on Example 4, this example discloses:
[0050] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the carbon fiber guide plate has a B-type structure, and its height is 70%-85% of that of a conventional material guide plate. This design allows for the carbon fiber guide plate to achieve the same strength as a conventional material guide plate along the direction perpendicular to the hole center distance while minimizing weight.
[0051] Example 6
[0052] Based on Example 5, this example discloses:
[0053] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the sealing ring 1-1 is a fluororubber sealing ring, and graphite and molybdenum disulfide solid lubricating materials are added to the composition of the sealing ring. The mass fraction of graphite material is 2%-4%, and the mass fraction of molybdenum disulfide material is 2%-5%.
[0054] In this embodiment, the addition of graphite and molybdenum disulfide solid lubricants to the fluororubber seal can improve its friction and wear performance, reduce the coefficient of friction, and extend its service life.
[0055] Example 7
[0056] Based on Example 6, this example discloses:
[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the self-lubricating sprocket 2 includes a sprocket body. The outer edge of the sprocket body is coaxially provided with a guide groove that cooperates with the guide plate 1-3. The guide groove is formed by rubber coating to form a vibration damping rubber ring 2-2. A graphite ring 2-1 coaxial with the sprocket body is embedded on the teeth of the sprocket body at the position corresponding to the sealing ring 1-1 of the sealing ring toothed chain 1 that is connected to it for transmission.
[0058] like Figure 2 , 7 As shown, the thickness of the graphite ring 2-1 is 1-1.2 times the thickness of the sealing ring 1-1.
[0059] In this embodiment, during the operation of the chain system, the impact between the sealing ring toothed chain and the self-lubricating sprocket causes the micro-powder of the graphite ring 2-1 to splash, thereby automatically lubricating the contact area between the sealing ring toothed chain and the self-lubricating sprocket. This lubrication further reduces noise and improves transmission efficiency. Simultaneously, some micro-powder is released between the inner and outer toothed chain plates, with some covering the surface of the sealing ring. During the continuous contact and deformation between the sealing ring and the inner and outer toothed chain plates, the micro-powder enters the contact surface between the sealing ring and the inner and outer toothed chain plates, and further into the contact surface between the sealing ring and the sleeve, thus providing deep lubrication to the sealing ring toothed chain.
[0060] In this embodiment, the vibration damping rubber ring 2-2 is used in conjunction with the guide plate to provide guidance for the chain system while reducing noise by buffering the impact vibration of the chain system through second-order vibration damping.
Claims
1. A sealed ring sprocket chain system characterized by: The system includes a toothed chain with a sealing ring and a self-lubricating sprocket. The toothed chain with the sealing ring comprises several alternating inner and outer links, with a sealing ring between the inner and outer links. Each inner link has a guide plate, which may be made of conventional materials or carbon fiber. The self-lubricating sprocket comprises a large sprocket and a small sprocket, which are connected to the toothed chain with the sealing ring. Let L1 be the inner link containing the guide plate made of conventional materials and L2 be the inner link containing the guide plate made of carbon fiber. When the small sprocket has fewer than 15 teeth, the assembly sequence of the inner links of the toothed chain with the sealing ring is: L1, L1, L2, L1, L1, L2. When the small sprocket has more than 15 teeth but less than 25 teeth, the assembly sequence is: L1, L2, L1, L2, L1, L2. When the small sprocket has more than 25 teeth, the assembly sequence is: L1, L2, L2, L1, L2, L2. The self-lubricating sprocket includes a sprocket body, and a guide groove coaxially provided in the middle of the outer edge of the sprocket body to cooperate with the guide plate. The guide groove is formed by rubber coating to form a vibration damping rubber ring. A graphite ring coaxial with the sprocket body is embedded on the teeth of the sprocket body at the position corresponding to the sealing ring of the toothed chain that is connected to it for transmission. During the operation of the chain system, the impact between the sealing ring toothed chain and the self-lubricating sprocket causes the graphite ring's micro powder to splash, which in turn automatically lubricates the contact area between the sealing ring toothed chain and the self-lubricating sprocket. At the same time, some micro powder is released into the space between the inner and outer toothed chain plates, and some of the micro powder covers the surface of the sealing ring. During the continuous contact, compression and deformation process between the sealing ring and the inner and outer toothed chain plates, the micro powder enters the contact surface between the sealing ring and the inner and outer toothed chain plates, and then enters the contact surface between the sealing ring and the sleeve, thus providing deep lubrication to the sealing ring toothed chain. The thickness of the graphite ring is 1-1.2 times the thickness of the sealing ring.
2. A sealed-cleat chain system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner link includes an inner toothed chain plate, a guide plate, and a sleeve. A guide plate is provided between two inner toothed chain plates. The mounting holes of the inner toothed chain plates and the guide plate are aligned one-to-one. A sleeve passes through the aligned mounting holes. The sleeve is interference-fitted with the mounting holes of the inner toothed chain plates and the guide plate respectively. The inner toothed chain plates and the guide plates are tightly fitted together.
3. A sealed-cleat chain system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The outer link includes an outer toothed chain plate and a pin. The pin passes through a sleeve. The two mounting holes of the outer toothed chain plate are respectively interference-fitted with the ends of the pins on the same side of the adjacent inner link. The pin and the sleeve are clearance-fitted. A sealing ring is sleeved on the end of the sleeve between the outer toothed chain plate and the inner toothed chain plate. The two ends of the sealing ring are tightly fitted to the inner surface of the outer toothed chain plate and the outer surface of the inner toothed chain plate, respectively. The end of the sleeve is clearance-fitted with the inner surface of the outer toothed chain plate.
4. The sealing ring toothed chain system as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The conventional material guide plate has an arc tooth profile on its inner side. The two sides of the arc tooth profile are symmetrically provided with inwardly recessed guide angles. The height h of the guide angle and the center height H of the guide plate mounting hole satisfy the relationship: h = (10% - 20%) * H. The width w of the guide angle and the nominal pitch p of the chain satisfy the relationship: w = (1 / 3 - 1 / 2) * p.
5. The sealing ring toothed chain system as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The carbon fiber guide plate is a type B structure, and its height is 70%-85% of that of a conventional material guide plate.
6. The sealing ring toothed chain system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing ring is a fluororubber sealing ring, and graphite and molybdenum disulfide solid lubricant are added to the components of the sealing ring. The mass fraction of graphite is 2%-4%, and the mass fraction of molybdenum disulfide is 2%-5%.